Inconel alloys are difficult and expensive to machine due to extreme heat generated at the cutting edge. The heat generated in the cut is necessary to machine the material; however, it accelerates tool wear.

The increasing use of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) for state-of-the-art, high-powered engines has created challenges for cylinder block and cylinder head manufacturing. The high-strength CGI material wears out tools a minimum of 30% faster and has eliminated higher speed machining that was possible in Gray Iron.

On July 29, Fives (Paris) completed the acquisition of MAG Americas (Erlanger, KY). On that same day, a new company, 5ME, was formed out of the three business units that MAG Americas did not sell. They are part of a larger vision President Horwarth has for the new company to become an industry leader in providing total productivity and efficiency solutions to manufacturers of all sizes.